I got in-office teeth whitening from my dentist two months ago, but it didn’t last. My teeth are not as white as they were at first. I thought the results were supposed to last for months. How do I know whether my dentist did something wrong or if I need to whiten my teeth again? Will I have to pay again? – Thanks. Karyssa
Karyssa,
When you first receive in-office teeth whitening, your teeth will be ultra-bright. The color stabilizes in a week or so after your teeth are rehydrated. Your teeth may be slightly darker than when you first received the treatment, but that is normal. Teeth whitening at the dental office jumpstarts the whitening process, but it does not eliminate the need for follow-up sessions.
What Can You Do If Teeth Whitening Results Don’t Last?
If teeth whitening results from a dentist do not last, you may need to return to the office for another session. Also, your dentist may have given you a take-home whitening kit. The kit should contain custom bleaching trays based on teeth impressions that your dentist took. If you have the kit, use it as your dentist directed, or call the office for instructions. Avoid overbleaching your teeth, which can weaken and discolor them.
Follow up with your dentist
If your dentist didn’t give you details about a follow-up session in the office or teeth whitening at home, call the office to explain your concerns and ask what to do next. Although most dentists include follow-up sessions and take-home whitening kits in the initial cost, you can ask about additional expenses.
Talk to your dentist calmly without being demanding if you do not respond satisfactorily. You may need to resume whitening with another dentist if yours does not communicate clearly about your teeth whitening treatment and what to expect.
Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.